Head of Manufacturing Operations

Baxter International Inc.; Lessen; Sur place; EUR 90 000 - 120 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A global healthcare company in Belgium is seeking a Head of Manufacturing Operations to oversee all manufacturing aspects. The role requires strong leadership, 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, and a solid understanding of lean principles. Responsibilities include driving operational excellence, managing large teams, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Candidates should be fluent in French and English and hold a relevant degree. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to life-saving solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Proven track record of managing large teams.
• Fluency in both French and English.

Responsabilités

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to meet targets.
• Optimize resources for financial goals.
• Drive quality improvements and compliance.

Connaissances

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem-Solving

Communication

Technical Understanding

Financial Acumen

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Master's degree or MBA

Outils

ERP Systems

Manufacturing Software

Description du poste

Overview

This is where your work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.

With over 1000 people employed, Lessines plant is one of Baxter’s largest production sites outside the USA. It is a global platform for the production of solutions and emulsions for parenteral nutrition, supporting neonatal, pediatric and adult patients’ needs. As the main activity on site, the Sterile Drugs business unit represents a value of production of $187M.

Your Role at Baxter Lessines

As the Head of Manufacturing Operations, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of manufacturing operations including safety, quality, production, and process improvement. You will play a critical role in driving operational excellence, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality products, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

As a leader you will be key in challenging the status quo and driving changes in a high-velocity environment.

What you will do

• Lead and manage daily manufacturing operations to meet production targets, quality standards, and customer delivery timelines, within a safe work environment.
• Oversee cost management and optimize resources to achieve financial goals.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiency and reduce waste (Lean Daily Management and Root Cause Problem Solving).
• Drive quality improvements to enhance compliance and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare reports for senior leadership.
• Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and team development to ensure high performance and engagement.
• Collaborate with union representatives to maintain a positive working relationship and address employee concerns.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and maintenance teams to resolve issues and optimize processes.
• Provide technical guidance to the manufacturing team, leveraging knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and practices.
• Identify capital improvement opportunities and support budgeting and investment planning leading to year over year standard improvement.
• Lead change initiatives and drive automation and digital transformation efforts across manufacturing processes.

What you will bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of managing large teams and complex mass-production processes.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence.
• Strong technical understanding.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Gemba oriented.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing software.
• Fluent in both French and English.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

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